About Lotus Compass
Lotus Compass is a guide for travelers on a journey of self-discovery. We believe transformation happens when we tend to both the inner and outer journey, embracing the wisdom of place—whether near or far.
We offer small group pilgrimages, online courses, local gatherings, and immersive workshops. Inspired by the principles of permaculture, our offerings are designed to deepen your connection to self, community, and the natural world. Our specialty is pilgrimage—the ancient art of mindful travel—helping seekers live with intention, presence, and meaning.
Our local experiences…
take place in Santa Cruz County, the Bay Area, and the West Coast and invite participants to explore the landscapes of home with fresh eyes.
Our global journeys…
guide travelers across sacred pilgrimages worldwide, from the Camino de Santiago in Spain to the Kumano Kodo in Japan.
Pilgrimage is a sacred journey back to yourself.
Meet the Founder
Jamie Shimizu-Jones discovered her love of travel as a young girl, flipping through her grandparents many travel photo albums. This love of exploring different cultures expanded when, after moving due to Hurricane Katrina, she lived down the street from a Colombian family and their full-sized soccer field. Week after week, she played soccer and learned Spanish, quickly becoming their adopted prima.
After graduating from university, she moved to the magical island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean where she learned about Buddhism and joyfully rode her Vespa around the island. In 2016, she walked the Camino de Santiago, a monthlong pilgrimage in Spain where she aspired to practice mindfulness each step of the way. Little did she know, that trip would be the first of many pilgrimages.
She founded Lotus Compass to help others reconnect with themselves and cultivate a life of deeper meaning, presence, and beauty—whether through mindful travel, immersive retreats, or rooted experiences close to home.
Jamie is a Buddhist eco-chaplain in training and holds a certificate in Permaculture Design from Santa Cruz Permaculture. She is continually exploring what it means to be a person of place while being a traveler at heart.